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York City Council unanimously approves revitalization program authority

The city will need to submit an application to the state by Nov. 30.

By Hannah Sawyer

hsawyer@ydr.com @HsawyerYDR on Twitter

Updated:
11/25/2013 11:56:59 PM EST

An application that could bring a state economic development program to York got a nod of approval Monday night from city council.

Council voted unanimously to establish an authority to locally manage the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Program.

The program provides incentives for development by diverting certain state and local taxes back to businesses in a 130-acre designated area.

State legislation requires the creation of an authority as part of the application.

The authority will be comprised of seven members -- nominated by the mayor and state representatives from the York County delegation and approved by city council -- who will designate eligible zones and projects and distribute the tax funds back to businesses.

The authority also will have the ability to borrow money for public projects.

After a lengthy public hearing, during which many residents expressed concern about the program and the short timeline for application, Council added several amendments to the bill.

Council required that a minimum of 15 percent of the funds generated through the program be used for public improvements. It also required that the authority be dissolved if York doesn't get the designation and that consideration been given in hiring and contracting to local businesses and workers.

York will need to submit a completed application to the state by Nov. 30.